What Is an Immigration Bond?
If you or someone you love has been detained by immigration, chances are you had to pay a bond to secure their release. An immigration bond refers to money paid to secure the release. This money serves as a guarantee to the government that once a person is out of detention, they will abide by the terms of their release, including attending all immigration court hearings.
When Can I Get My Immigration Bond Money Back?
The Obligor (the person who paid and signed the bond paperwork) will be eligible to receive the bond money back if all conditions of release have been met and removal proceedings have been finalized. The Obligor is the person listed on the bond paperwork, also known as an I-352. The I-352 will have a large title on the top front page that states “IMMIGRATION BOND.”
How Do I Get My Immigration Bond Money Back?
Once a case is finalized, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) will send the Obligor a form called an ICE Form I-391, Notice of Immigration Bond Cancelled to the address they listed on the bond paperwork. Once the obligor receives the Form I-391, they should send a written request for a refund along with the received I-391 and a copy of the original receipt (I-305) which was given to the obligor when the bond was paid to the Debt Management Center.
The address for the Debt Management Center is:
Debt Management Center
Attention: Bond Unit
P.O. Box 5000
Williston, VT 05495-500
In conclusion, you need to mail the following to the Debt Management Center:
- Form I-391 Notice of Immigration Bond Cancelled
- Form I-305 Receipt of Immigration Officer
What If I Lost My Bond Receipt (I-305)?
If the Obligor has misplaced their I-305 receipt, they can substitute a notarized ICE Form I-395, Affidavit in Lieu of Lost Receipt of U.S. ICE for Collateral Accepted as Security. Form I-305 is available on the USCIS website.
What if I want someone other than the Obligor to receive the refunded bond?
Because of the requirement that an Obligor has legal status in the U.S., the Obligor is sometimes a friend or acquaintance who signs bond paperwork but does not supply the funds. Unfortunately, the immigration bond can only be returned to the Obligor, unless the Obligor designated someone else to receive the funds. The Obligor can designate another person to receive the bond money by filing a form called Form I-312, Designation of Attorney in Fact.
How Long Will It Take to Receive My Bond Money Back?
Once the Debt Management Center receives your forms, it will process your refund. If all conditions are met, you should receive a check in the amount of the bond money paid, plus any interest that accrued during the time the removal proceedings were taking place. The refund process can take approximately two months.
What Can I do if I have Additional Questions Regarding My Immigration Bond Refund?
If you have additional questions regarding your immigration bond refund, you can call the Debt Management Center at (802)288-7600. You can also inquire with one of our immigration attorneys if you need further assistance or guidance. We are available to help at (303) 974-7758.